MORECAMBE hoteliers have reacted with disbelief to police claims that the battle against crime in the town is being won.

Local Police Commander Stephen Watson claims that crime rates in the resort have been slashed by 21.7per cent. But hotel bosses insist that only a booze ban can reduce anti-social behaviour.

According to Inspector Watson the success is due to a new police project, Operation Blackrod, intended to stamp out anti-social behaviour and keep known criminals and problem areas under surveillance.

Police claim the July crime figures reflect a "downward trend" during the summer months.

Colin Richardson of the resort's Hoteliers Association dismissed the police claims as "absolute rubbish," adding, "I've seen no sign of any improvement." Mr Richardson claims that the only way to clean up the town is to clamp down on street boozing. He said "Drinking in the street is to blame for 90per cent of Morecambe's problems." A growing number of tourist destinations, including neighbouring Blackpool, have already barred drinkers from the streets.

Mr Richardson's views are backed by Jim Catterall of the Trevelyan Hotel. He told the Citizen: "My guests tell me Morecambe is a great place, but it is spoilt by yobs drinking in the streets." He added: "The improvements made to Morecambe are tremendous and the tourism department puts on very good events, but people don't like to see youths drinking and running around with impunity."

A council spokesman said that the idea of banning alcohol is still under review. Discussions with the police and a full statistical analysis are needed before any ban comes into force. The issue will be discussed again this autumn.

For the police, Inspector Watson insisted: "We are far from complacent and we recognise that significant sections of our community are suffering unacceptable levels of crime and nuisance."

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